The Cruise Back to You by Ana Ashley

 

I didn't ask for a vacation. I definitely didn't ask to be trapped on a cruise ship with my ex.

Colter and I were together for five years before I walked away. He never wanted the future I was dreaming of. At least, that's what I thought.

Our best friends promised relaxation and umbrella drinks. Their grand scheme? Lock us on a boat and let the ocean work its magic.

I should be furious. I should avoid Colter for seven days straight.

There's just one problem. Being around him reminds me of everything I've been trying to forget. The way he looks at me. The way my heart still races when he's near.

I wanted to get over him. Instead, I'm falling all over again.

One cruise. One ex. A second chance neither of us saw coming.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/259113695-the-cruise-back-to-you

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Robin didn’t want to go on vacation, but after his best friend insisted they go, he gives in. A week to relax on a cruise? Sure, he can do that. Until he sees his ex on board. Robin and Colter were together for five years, but months ago Robin walked away. Feeling like their relationship suddenly had no future and Colter was pulling away from him. Now, thanks to both of their meddling best friends, they are on the same boat together. Colter wants to be mad at his best friend, but he also has missed Robin all these months. He doesn’t know what exactly what wrong. He was saving up to build them the future they wanted. He thought Robin knew that. Right? The time for miscommunication is over for these two! Can there be a second chance for them? Super cute short story. Being stuck on a cruise by their best friends was exactly what Robin and Colter needed. The love between them was definitely there they just had to finally speak up about it! Definitely check out this story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Thin Ice Book 3: Goalie Interference by KC Carmichael

 

On Thin Ice Book 3

I am certifiably the best goalie in the league, the Stanley Cup with my name on it proves it. So why am I suddenly completely off my game? And why the hell is a rival goalie the only person who can help?

Nikolai Ivanov lost that Cup to me. He has every reason to enjoy my downward spiral, and no reason at all to talk me through a panic attack at midnight, or pull me out of my own head with his dry Russian humor right before a game. By the time I stop to wonder what’s in it for him, Nikolai has become the most important part of my pregame routine. And I’m craving even more.

But there’s only one Stanley Cup, and we both want it. Getting involved with the goalie on the other side of the rink as we skate towards playoffs could cost us everything.

Staying away from him should be easy.

It's certifiably not.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253756227-goalie-interference

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Ander should be riding the high that is winning the Stanley Cup and having his turn to show it off, and he is, but he also is realizing just how different this summer has been. Things have changed and Ander is realizing just how lonely he is. Especially when his brother and best friend are in a relationship now. Then later, he can feel something off in his game when the season starts back up again. And a goalie who lets in goals is not a goalie someone wants on their team. But someone ends up being really good for helping Ander get out of his head. Nikolai. Rival goalie and someone Ander finds himself drifting to and befriending. And he can’t help but wonder, what is about Nikolai that just makes Ander feel safe and seen and heard? Nikolai shouldn’t be friends with a rival goalie, but Ander makes it impossible to remember why. And when Nikolai starts developing feelings? He knows he is in trouble. But does Ander feel the same? And even if he did, can they actually have a relationship when they can never be on the same NHL? But all Nikolai knows is that this connection between them is something he has never felt before. And when he learns Ander feels the same? They’ll have to figure out just exactly what kind of future is out there for them. I loved these two! Ander and Nikolai were so sweet together. They just got one another and were one another’s safe space. I loved watching them develop a friendship that turned into so much more the more they spent time with one another. They both deserve the love they had for one another. Just an overall great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke Brothers Book 7: The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away by Lani Blake

 

The Duke Brothers Book 7

She thought she knew her story. He thought he was done being a hero. They were both wrong.

Finch McAllister entered the military at eighteen. It wasn’t just a career—it was his life. Now he was home, injured and grounded, facing a future he hadn’t chosen and wanting solitude to heal.

Lyntacky had other ideas. So did Nina Winters.

Nina built her life exactly the way she wanted it. A job she loved, friends she trusted, and zero complications. Then her mother’s memory faded, and the contents of a box changed everything she’d always believed. She wasn’t who she thought she was. And someone dangerous was hunting her.

Finch McAllister didn’t come home to be anyone’s hero. But when Nina Winters lands in danger, walking away isn’t an option.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense, Small Town, Wounded Military MMC, Hidden Identity

Meet The McAllisters. Growing up as Lyntacky’s unofficial hippies, the McAllister kids mastered two things fast: loyalty and survival. They band together like pros, recycle like champions, and can whip up an herbal remedy for whatever mysterious rash you’ve picked up.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252112651-the-moment-he-couldn-t-walk-away-a-small-town-romantic-suspense

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finch had his life planned out. He always wanted to be in the military and planned to be there for a long time. But an accident changes everything. A year later, he is discharged and continuing to struggle with his continued concussion diagnosis. And now he has no idea what to do next. He’s back home in Lyntacky and while he wants to just wallow for a bit longer, his family and friends won’t let him get away with that. He’s a different man than he once was but not so different that the feelings he had for Nina went away. But can he actually have the future he once wanted when he doesn’t know what his future looks like anymore? Meanwhile, Nina is dealing with a lot. When she loses her mother, she is thrown for even more of a loop when a letter from her mother reveals the truth about her father. Turns out he wasn’t exactly a good guy and her mother has done everything in her power to protect Nina from him. And when there have been a few incidents lately, she can’t help but wonder if he is connected to it after all. But she’s not alone. Not with Finch who she’s had feelings for for a while or the rest of town where the locals are protective of one another. As always, I love coming back into this world! I’m reminded constantly that I wish I could live in this town! I loved getting to know Finch and Nina more in this story. These two were great for one another and they truly came together when they both needed one another most. As always with these stories, on top of a romance, we get a bit of a suspense. Great story all around! And I’m looking forward to the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cranham Kings Book 2: Callous Shot by Becca Steele

 

Cranham Kings Book 2

Daniel Hoyton has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. We play for rival hockey teams. We attend rival universities. Our families are on opposite sides of the law. 

I hate him, with his irritatingly smug smile, his arrogance, and his inability to take anything seriously.

I want to wipe that smile from his face with my fist.

…Or my mouth.

I can’t decide if I want to punch him or kiss him, and it’s beginning to be a problem. A problem with big consequences. Not only is he completely wrong for me, but his family and friends are under investigation…and my uncle is in charge of the operation. 

I know we’re going to crash and burn.

But I can’t seem to stay away from the flames.

Callous Shot is part of Cranham Kings, a college hockey romance series with darker themes. Each book can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244393276-callous-shot

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Dan and Link have been at one another’s throats for a long time. Rivals on and off the ice, these two just can’t help but rile the other one up every chance they get. Add in the fact that their families are on opposite sides of the law, and it’s just a messy affair. But what happens when they find a new way to work out that tension? These two can tell one another they hate each other all they want, but deep down their feelings are anything but hate. But while those two are working out what exactly is going on between them, there are other things they have to worry about. Link’s father is threatening Link to find dirt on Dan’s criminal family or else face the consequences. Link hates his parents, but he would never jeopardize his uncle and young cousin. But what he is feeling for Dan? How can he find a way out of what feels like an impossible situation? Meanwhile, Dan is trying to figure out this latest issue his family and friends are facing, but something isn’t adding up quite right. Can they figure it out? Another great story in this series! I love a good enemies to lovers stories and Dan and Link were definitely a favorite of mine. Their banter and chemistry are so good. And they both are so deeply loyal and caring, especially to each other. The fight they have ahead of them is hard but one they can get through if they can do it together. Great story all around and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Rookie Diaries Book 1: Rookie Moves by Jodi Oliver

 

The Rookie Diaries Book 1

COLBY

For almost ten years, the world of hockey has had their eyes on me, watching my every move.

I’m projected to be the first overall pick in the NHL draft this summer, and have been nicknamed a franchise altering talent.

But with high praise comes a lot of pressure I can’t escape, and has resulted in me being a rookie in more ways than one.

The only problem is there’s only one person I feel safe with, and I'm pretty sure there are rules about not crushing on your teammate.

TYLER

Ever since I met Colby, I’ve kept an eye on him. No one should have to put up with the pressure the world has laid on his gorgeous shoulders and the defeated look in his beautiful eyes.

But you shouldn’t notice these things about your teammates.

So when Colby asks me to teach him everything I know in the bedroom because I’m the only one he feels safe with?

I should say no, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Colby McKay.

I should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as a friends with benefits arrangement.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246682522-rookie-moves

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Colby has had eyes on him in the hockey world since he was a kid. He’s beyond talented and there are high expectations when he reaches the NHL. And while everyone assumed he would go straight to the pros after high school, he declined so he could have at least one year in college before everything changes forever. And while it was a great decision in more ways than one, he still can’t escape the media. So he continues to keep his head down. But there were things he wanted to do in college and before the draft. A big on? Lose his virginity. And his best friend points out the perfect man for the job: Tyler. Colby’s teammate and someone actually feels safe with. When Colby asks Tyler to help him out, he never expected it to be sex related. Tyler’s always been attracted to Colby but he pushed it aside because they’re teammates. Yet, how can he say no? The chemistry between them is insane and the feelings they hoped would stay down, are doing the complete opposite. Their team is on their way to the Frozen Four, Colby is headed for the draft, and Tyler is about to graduate. Can there be a future between them? Loved this story! This is just the beginning for Tyler and Colby. And I’m happy to hear we get a follow up story. This didn’t end on a cliffhanger or anything. It truly was just the beginning of their relationship and the forever they hoped to have. Colby and Tyler were so sweet, in general and especially to each other. They were exactly what the other needed. Colby is navigating this scary world of pro hockey and Tyler is learning to stand up to his family and have the future he wants and deserves. I can’t wait to see what happens with these two next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Siren’s Point Book 3: On Dry Land by JJ Mulder

 

Siren’s Point Book 3

Dryden Roy’s desire for love died years ago when his marriage ended. He lost things he never thought he’d have to part with, and discovered aspects of himself that he hadn’t known were there. Above all, he learned a hard lesson about trust.

Spencer Davis likes to walk. In fact, it’s his job. A vlogger who lives on the road, carrying everything he owns on his back, he strolls into Siren’s Point looking for footage of lobster boats. What he finds instead is a lobsterman.

Dryden and Spencer are different in too many ways to number. In only one thing can they relate— their mistrust of each other and everyone else.

And yet, a chance meeting in the dark leads to time spent together in the light. Circumstance has them occupying the same space, and it’s only a matter of time before a bond begins to form over knots, lobstering, and the water. But trust is a hard thing to earn, and an even harder thing to give away.

As Dryden and Spencer become close, they discover that some scars are physical, some emotional, but all can heal.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/253910836-on-dry-land

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Dryden was done with love when his marriage ended after finding out that his husband cheated on him. A lot. Consistently. So putting trust in anyone else? Might just be impossible. He’s made a new life for himself in Siren’s Point. He keeps everyone at a distance and he’s okay with it. Mostly. Even he will admit there is a part of him that is lonely and he misses having someone in his home. But to put his heart and trust out there again? Not happening. That is until Spencer. Spencer found himself just literally walking around the country after something changed his life and left him with almost nothing. He likes the adventures, he likes walking. But even he can admit that part of it can get scary and never knowing if he will find a safe place to rest is stressful. Trusting Dryden to give him a place to stay and not want anything in return seems impossible. Yet, a very small part of him does. At least enough to accept some help. The longer one another stay in each other’s orbit, the more they get to know one another deeply. They work. Against everything they may have thought otherwise. But will Spencer stay in one place? And can Dryden truly let him in? Such a great story! These two had such a great dynamic in more ways than one. I loved finally getting Dryden’s story and seeing what he was thinking and feeling. We’ve only ever seen him through the eyes of another. I loved watching these two build trust and friendship between them and that it led to so much more. Just another great story in Siren’s Point!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bridgeport Jetties The Call-Up Years Book 2: Hiding in the Outfield by Lizzie C. Koz

Bridgeport Jetties The Call-Up Years Book 2

 “No pressure either way,” I murmur. “Just opportunity. If you want it.”

I thought I was the one helping him. Giving him something.

How wrong I was.

FRANKIE

I’ve learned something interesting about myself over the years: I’m either the guy after the guy, there to help you recover from your latest romantic disaster, or I’m the guy you experiment with before you move on to find the person you really want.

I can’t blame them. I am awfully pretty.

And judging by the way my brother’s teammate watches me when he thinks no one’s looking, I’ve found myself another curious closeted man.

Well, Ollie-baby, lucky you. This Frankie fun-ride is at your service. Trust me, sweetness, I'll treat you so right. And the best part? It can stay our little secret.

Just don’t get attached.

Because like all rides, this one comes to an end.

I made the mistake once of believing I could have it all.

Never again.

JACKSON

My plan is simple: stay locked up tight until my baseball career is over.

I’m just another straight ballplayer in a straight world, keeping my head down. Because in my family, inside every locker room I’ve ever known—being gay isn’t an option.

Baseball is supposed to be enough. It has been.

Then Frankie Nebiolo walked in and offered me something I couldn’t resist.

A secret place to be myself in a way I’ve never risked before.

With him, I can finally breathe. I can finally want.

Except…the longer we're together, the more painful hiding becomes.

Now I'm starting to wonder if I'd trade everything for the chance to stop pretending.

Hiding in the Outfield is a steamy baseball romance between a touch-starved closeted athlete and a sultry gay man who hides behind his glitter and sass. Expect irresistible yearning, first-times and high-heat lessons, hurt/comfort that cuts deep, and a loud, loving found family that makes healing feel possible.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250641080-hiding-in-the-outfield

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Jackson has shoved who he truly is deep down the moment it was clear that his family would never approve. The need to hide himself away has been the thing he needed to survive. Even if it meant surrounding himself by some horrible people and even to go as far as pretending to act like them. Until it’s finally he just can’t do it anymore. Because the moment Jackson sees Frankie he knows he is in trouble. Even after they meet, he tries to keep a distance. He promises himself that one day he can be who he is just after his baseball career. But how can he not feel anything for Frankie? Pure sunshine and unashamedly out and proud of who he is. The moment they give in to the attraction between them, it is the beginning of Jackson finally being himself. And becoming the man he was always meant to be. Meanwhile, Frankie learned long ago that maybe he is never anyone’s happily ever after. Burned one too many times, he decides hook ups are enough for him. So why does he find himself basically becoming boyfriends with Jackson? Giving Jackson his safe space to explore this part of him that he was never allowed to do is one thing, but feelings? Totally different. But it’s too late. He is in just as much trouble as Jackson. There are a lot obstacles in their way, but maybe they have a chance of finding the love they have been always craved. I loved these two! I loved Jackson’s growth in this story. He truly had to act pretty terrible because the fear in him was so deep but between Frankie and the friends he was finally able to make when he actually acted like himself, he gets that supportive family he just never had. I loved seeing him grow into himself and find someone who loves him so deeply. And same for Frankie! He deserves all the love after everything he has been through. And no one cares more from him than Jackson. A great story all around! I cannot wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.